Wednesday A south to southwesterly pattern affects Britain and Ireland, with high pressure toward the south-east. Variable cloud with occasional showery rain in the west and north. More organised rain moves into Ireland from the west through the day, where winds will strengthen. Generally dry and bright toward the south and east of Britain. Breezy for north & western areas, lighter winds and sea breezes in the south & east. Highs 17 to 26C, warmest south-east.

Wednesday night Outbreaks of rain will turn more persistent for west & south-west Scotland, also Cumbria and western fringes of Wales into the night. A lot of low cloud across the hills in these areas, plus blustery southerly winds. Only patchy rain reaching the north of Scotland and north-east England. Toward the Midlands, south and east of England, it will stay dry with some cloud breaks and lighter winds. Lowest temperatures 12 to 16C.

Thursday A southwesterly pattern, with high pressure to the south. Rain and drizzle will last many hours for western coasts and hills in Wales, north-west England and western Scotland. Patchy rain too for Ireland. Little if any rain reaching north-east Scotland. The Midlands, south & east of England should be dry all day with some sun, but a lot of cloud. Strongest breezes near the Irish Sea. Feeling humid: 25 to 29C south-east, 17 to 21C north & west, locally 23C north-east.

Friday High pressure builds from the south, but weakening fronts will still influence Britain, especially northern areas. Plenty of dry weather, best sunshine toward the south-east, but some brighter spells elsewhere. Patchy rain for northern Britain and Ireland, and local showers possible, focused on north-eastern areas by afternoon. A fairly light westerly breeze. Highs 16 to 21C north & west, 23 to 27C central areas, and likely topping 30C in the south-east.